Ellie Black, who disappeared without a trace over two years ago, is shockingly found alive in the woods in Washington State. But Ellie isn't talking about where she's been. Detective Chelsey Calhoun thinks Ellie is protecting someone and is determined to find answers-  not only in the unlikely hope that maybe Chelsey can find a clue to her own sister's disappearance twenty years ago but also to prevent it from happening again to another girl.

The Return of Ellie Black is an extremely slow-paced thriller that lacks an emotional punch. Jean never lets you emotionally connect with either of the female protagonists. This is understandable with Ellie, whose experience leaves her with plenty of trauma when she returns but not as forgivable in Chelsey, who felt flat and one-dimensional. The story was dark and hard to read at time. Although it plods along for the most part, the ending had plenty of action and some unexpected twists.